Float actuated sequence switch with pushbutton actuator

ABSTRACT

A switch has first and second fixed contacts and first and second movable contacts for respectively engaging the fixed contacts. A first actuator moves the movable contact between a first position engaging the associated fixed contact and a second position disengaging that contact. A second actuator moves the second movable contact between a first position engaging the associated fixed contact and a second position disengaging that contact. The second actuator is normally spaced from the first actuator so as to be unaffected during movement of the first actuator between the first and second positions thereof. The first actuator is movable to a third position to engage the second actuator for movement thereof from one of its positions to the other of its positions.

United States Patent 1 Krueger et al.

p [111 3,708,637 1 1 Jan. 2, 1973 154] FLOAT ACTUATED SEQUENCE SWITCH WITH PUSHBUTTON ACTUATOR [76] Inventors: Harvey R. Krueger, 133 Mon Road, Carpentersville, 111. 60110; Donald S. Reynolds, deceased, late of Glencoe, 111.; by John T. Durkln, executor, c/o The First National Bank of Chicago, Chicago, 111.

[22] Filed: Nov. 5, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 87,192

Related'U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 801,896, Dec. 23, 1968, which is a division of Ser. No. 668,419, Sept. 18, 1967, Pat.

[52] US. Cl ..200/67 B, 200/1 A, 200/84 R [51] Int. Cl. ..H0lh 5/08, HOlh 35/18 [58] Field of Search ..200/1 A, 5 C, 153 V, 84 R, 200/168 K, 67 B, 159 R, 50 C, 159 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,318,761 5/1943 Curtis ..200/l A 3,382,339 5/1968 Anderson ..200/67 B X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,082,648 6/1960 Germany 200/1 A 1,123,732 2/1962 Germany ..200/159 A OTHER PUBLICATIONS Product Engineering," June, 1951, published by Mc- Graw-Hill; written by A. L. Riche; pp. 4-6 & cover included.

Primary Examiner-Robert K. Schaffer Assistant Examiner-Robert A. Vanderhye Attorney-Shenier & OConnor [5 7 ABSTRACT A switch has first and second fixed contacts and first and second movable contacts for respectively engaging the fixed contacts. A first. actuator moves the movable contact between a first position engaging the associated fixed contact and a second position disengaging that contact. A second actuator moves the second movable contact between a first position'engaging the associated fixed contact and a second position disengaging that contact. The second actuator is normally spaced from the first actuator so as to be unaffected during movement of the first actuator between the first and second positions thereof. The

first actuator is movable to a third position to engage the second actuator for movement thereof from one of its positions to the other of its positions.

4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJAN 2 I973 3.708.637

WATER SOURCE MACHINE INVENTORS DONALD S. REYNOLDS HARVEY R. KRUEGER.

Pam 1y,

B\ l k/yJZ. ATTYsi FLOAT ACTUATED SEQUENCE SWITCH WITH PUSI-IBUTTON ACTUATOR This application is a division of Application Ser. No. 801,896, filed Dec. 23, 1968, by the applicants herein for SAFETY CONTROL MECHANISM FOR AN ICE MAKER AND DISPENSER, which, in turn, is a division of Application Ser. No. 668,419, filed Sept. 18, 1967, by the applicants herein, for BEVERAGE DISPENSING MACHINE now US. Pat. No. 3,441,176.

An important object of the present invention is to provide in a single housing a switch capable of removing power from a machine during abnormal conditions and selectively energizing an element associated with the machine during normal conditions.

In connection with the foregoing, it is another object to provide a switch capable of automatically reapplying power to the machine when conditions return to normal.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel float operated electrical switch for use, for example, in an ice beverage dispensing machine, wherein the switch is effective to de-energize the beverage dispensing machine when the water supply therein reaches a dangerously low level, and wherein the switch, under normal conditions, is operative to control the admission of water to the machine from an outside source to maintain the water level in the machine between two predetermined points.

In summary, there is provided a switch comprising first and second fixed contacts, first and second movable contacts for engaging respectively the first and second fixed contacts, a first actuator operatively coupled to the first movable contact and movable among first and second and third positions, the first actuator in the first position thereof carrying the first movable contact into engagement with the first fixed contact and in the second position thereof carrying the first movable contact out of engagement with the first fixed contact, and a second actuator operatively coupled to the second movable contact and movable between first and second positions, the second actuator in the first position thereof carrying the second movable contact into engagement with the second fixed contact and in the second position thereof carrying the second movable contact out of engagement with the second fixed contact, the second actuator being normally spaced from the first actuator so as to be unaffected by movement of the first actuator between the first and second positions thereof, the first actuator in the third position thereof being operative to engage the second actuator for movement therefrom from one of its positions to the other of its positions.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the parts of the switch, whereby the above outlined and additional operating features are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification when taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section of a water supply tank, a float, a control assembly and an improved switch incorporating the novel features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the supply tank and water inlet thereto, illustrating the operative relationship of the switch and the float assembly in greater detail;

FIG. 3 is a view in vertical section through the switch taken along the line 33 of FIG. 2, and illustrating the contacts thereof in a first operative position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating the contacts of the switch in a second operative position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view in vertical section through the switch taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view in vertical section through the switch taken along the line 66 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic and diagrammatic view of the electrical circuit used with the switch.

Referring now to the drawings, and, more particularly, to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, there is shown a water supply tank 160, which water supply tank may, for example, be used in a beverage dispensing machine. Water used in making ice for the dispensing machine is stored in the tank 160. The details of construction of.

the beverage dispensing mechanism are not necessary to understanding the operation or construction of the instant invention. However, further details of that mechanism and the manner in which the instant switch may be used therein may be obtained by reference to the aforementioned US. Pat. No. 3,441,176. The supply tank has a water inlet 161 connected through a water inlet valve 162 to a source 163 such as the municipal water supply. The supply tank 160 includes a tank cover 164 which has an opening therethrough (not shown) through which water flowing from the inlet 161 is adapted to pass to the supply tank.

An annular member 165 having a plurality of openings therein is positioned between the inlet 161 and the cover 164, which openings provide an air gap to prevent the water in the supply tank 160 from being siphoned back to the source of water in the event of a pressure failure therein. As best seen in FIG. 2, the inlet 161 is disposed in a cover 166 which overlies the upper end of the annular member 165. The cover 166 and the annular member 165 are firmly held in position on the tank cover 164 by way of a bracket 167, which bracket 167 is secured to the tank cover 164 by means of the screws 168.

A second bracket 170 is rigidly affixed to the tank cover 164, and extends substantially normal thereto. The water supply tank 160 is provided with a water level control switch, designated generally as 200, which switch forms part of the invention and is described in greater detail hereinaftenThe switch 200 is mounted on the upstanding bracket 170 by means of the screws I71 passing therethrough and into suitably provided openings in the bracket 170. The switch 200 is operated by a float 172 which is disposed within the water tank 160. A float stem 173 passes through the float 172, the float 172 being securely positioned on the float stem 173 by a pair of nuts I74 disposed on opposite sides of the float. The upper end of the float stem 173 passes through a nut 175 which is disposed in the tank cover 164, the nut 175 having a smooth internal passage therethrough whereby the upper end of the float stem 173 is free to reciprocate in the vertical direction as the float 172 moves in response to changes in the water level in the tank 160.

The float stem 173 is provided with a first laterally extending and generally L-shaped lower arm 176, and a second laterally extending and generally L-shaped upper arm 177, the arms 176 and 177 being disposed for cooperation with the switch 200 in a manner shortly to be described. The lower arm 176 passes through a first elongated opening 180 in the bracket 170. Similarly, the upper arm 177 passes through a second elongated opening 181 in the bracket 170. As best seen will now be described with special reference to FIGS. 3

through 6.

The switch 200 comprises a pair of mating members 201 formed of a molded phenolic composition, which members 201 defined a housing including parallel first and second side walls 202 and 203 respectively, a top wall 204, a bottom wall 205, and a pair of end walls 206 which define a compartment within the housing 201. A molded partition 207 divides the compartment formed therein into upper and lower chambers 208 and 209 respectively, an opening 210 being provided in the partition 207 through which the upperand lower chambers 208 and 209 communicate. A pair of laterally extending openings 211 are provided in the housing 201 through which the screws 171 are adapted to pass so that the housing 201 can be mounted upon the bracket 170 as heretofore noted. Other lateral openings 212 are provided so that the mating members 201 comprising the housing may be fastened together.

A first terminal 220 extends through an opening 221 in the first side wall 202 of the housing and into the upper chamber 208. The first terminal 220 is provided with a first fixed electrical contact 225 at the inner end thereof. A second terminal 230 extends through an opening 231, the second side wall 203, and into the upper chamber 208. The inner end of the second terminal 230 is divided to provide a pair of split legs 232 which leave a free area over the opening 210 in the partition 207. The legs 232 terminate in upwardly extending portions 233which are laterally spaced from the inner end of the first terminal 220 and are disposed substantially normal thereto. A first movable contact 235 is pivotally associated with the upstanding portions 233 of the second terminal 230 for pivotal movement into and out of engagement with the first fixed contact 225 of the first terminal 220. A first spring 237 extends between the second terminal 230 and the first movable contact 235 for normally biasing the first movable contact 235 out of engagement with the first fixed contact 225, as shown by the full lines in FIG. 3. A dummy contact 226 is provided in the upper chamber 208 to limit movement of the first movable contact 235 when it is in its normal position with respect to the first fixed contact 225.

A third terminal 240 extends through an opening 241 in the first side wall 202 and into the lower chamber 209, the third terminal 240 having a second fixed contact 245 disposed at the inner end thereof. Similarly, a fourth tenninal 250 extends through an opening 251 in the first side wall 202 and into the lower chamber 209, the fourth terminal 250 having a third fixed contact 255 at the inner end thereof.

A fifth terminal 260, substantially identical in configuration to the second terminal 230, extends through an opening 261 in the second side wall 203 into the lower chamber 209. The fifth terminal 260 includes the bifurcated upstanding leg portions 263, and a second movable contact 265 is pivotally associated with the upstanding portions 263 of the fifth terminal 260 for pivotal movement between positions of engagement with the second fixed contact 245 and the third fixed contact 255. A second spring 267 extends between the fifth terminal 260 and the second movable contact 265, with the axis of the second spring 267 lying on one side or the other of the plane of the second movable contact 265, whereby the second movable contact 265 has two oppositely facing positions of stability with respect to the second fixed contact 245 and the third fixed contact 255, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. g

A first actuator 270 extends through an opening 271 in the top wall 204 of the housing 201 and into the upper chamber 208, the outer end 272 of the first actuator 270 extending upwardly above the housing 201 for contact by an associated pressure applying member such as the upper arm 177 carried by the float stem 173. The first actuator 270 has a rest position, a first depressed position, and a second depressed position in relation to the housing 201 as determined by the posi-' tion of the arm 177 in'response to downward movement of the float. The first actuator 270 has an aperture 273 therethrough, and the first spring 237 extends through the aperture 273, whereby the first actuator 270 is adapted to engage the spring 237 and effect movement thereof in a direction substantially normal to the axis of the spring. The first spring 237 and the first actuator 270 are arranged such that the spring normally biases the first actuator to the rest position thereof. Thefirst actuator 270 is movable to its first depressed position in response to a first predetermined pressure being applied to the outer end thereof by the arm 177 of the float. As the first actuator 270 is moved downwardly to its first depressed position, it effects downward movement of the first spring 237 which causes the movable contact 235 to move to a position of engagement with the first fixed contact 225. As the pressure is released from the upper end of the first actuator 270, the first spring 237 causes the first actuator 270 to return to its rest position and also effects return movement of the first movable contact 235 to its normal position.

A second actuator 280 extends through an opening I 281 in the bottom wall 205 and into the lower chamber The second actuator 280 is movable between a first depressed position which corresponds to the position of the second movable contact 265 when it engages the second fixed contact 245 (H6. 3), and a second depressed position which corresponds to the position of the second movable contact 265 when it engages the third fixed contact 255 (FIG. 4). In operation, movement of the first actuator 270 to the second depressed position thereof in response to a second predetermined pressure applied thereto causes the inner end 274 of the first actuator 270 to engage the inner end 284 of the second actuator 280 so as to effect axial movement of the second actuator 280 from its first depressed position to its second depressed position, whereby the second actuator 280 engages the second spring 267 and thereby causes the second movable contact 265 to move from its position of engagement with the second fixed contact 245 to its position of engagement with the third fixed contact 255.

The second actuator is movable in the opposite direction in response to a predetermined pressure being applied to the outer end 282 thereof, thereby to effect return movement of the movable contact 265 to its position of engagement with the second fixed contact 245.

The five terminals 220, 230, 240, 250 and 260 are connected in the electrical circuit for a machine, such as a beverage dispensing machine, in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter. As the water level in the supply tank 160 drops, the float 172 moves downwardly in response thereto, the float being movable from a full position wherein the supply tank is full and the supply valve 162 is closed, to a demand position wherein the water level drops to a first predetermined position in the supply tank, at which time the upper arm 177 moves the actuator 270 downwardly to cause the movable contact 235 to engage the first fixed contact 225 to effect opening of the valve 162, thereby toadmit water through the inlet 161 into the tank 160. As the water level rises upon opening of the valve 162, the pressure of the arm 177 on the first actuator 270 decreases until the first spring 237 causes the movable contact 235 to return to its normal position.

Should there be a defect in the machine or in the inlet valve which causes the water level in the tank 160 to drop to a much, lower level, the float 172 will drop accordingly and will move to a second predetermined machine cutoff position, wherein the weight of the float 172 causes the upper arm 177 to exert a second gages the outer end 282 of the second actuator 280 and effects movement thereof upwardly, whereby the second actuator 280 causes the second movable contact 265 to switch to its position of engagement with the second fixed contact 245, thereby to complete the circuit for the machine 20. Under normal operation, the float 172 will move only between the full position thereof and the demand" position thereof in the tank.

There are illustrated. in FIG. 7 of the drawings the electrical connections to the switch 200, the input thereto being on a pair of line conductors designated A andB and connected through suitable fuses and switches (not shown) to a U8 volt 60 cycle A.C. supply. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, the conductor A is connected to the fifth terminal 260 of the water level control switch 200, the third terminal 240 of the switch 200 being connected to the main conductor A, whereby when the movable contact 265 of the switch 200 engages the fixed contact 245 of the switch (FIG. 3) the conductors A and A are electrically connected. The conductor A is also connected to the second terminal 230 of the switch 200. A conductor 701 interconnects the first'terminal 220 and one terminal of the solenoid coil 162' for the valve 162, the opposite terminal of the solenoid coil being connected to the conductor B. A branch of the conductor 701 also is connected to the fourth terminal 250 of the switch 200. In operation, when the water supply tank is full, the movable contact 235, as heretofore described, provides a normally open circuit between the conductors A and 701; also, the second movable contact 265 engages the fixed contact 245 so as to provide a complete circuit between the conductor A, the switch 200 and the conductor A, thereby to provide electrical power to the machine 20. As the water supply is depleted, the float will move to the demand position thereof, which movement effects closing of the first movable contact 235 so as to complete a circuit through the conductor 701 and the coil 162'; opening the valve 162 and thereby causing additional water to be admitted to the supply tank until the first movable contact returns to its normal position as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7. if the water level in the tank 160 reaches a dangerously low level, then the second movable contact 265 of the switch disengages from the fixed contact 245, thereby to interrupt all electrical power to the machine 20, and engages the third fixed contact 255 so as to complete a circuit through the conductor 701 and the coil 162; thereby causing additional water to be admitted to the chamber 160 until the second movable contact 265 of the switch returns to its normal position as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, at which time electrical power is again supplied to the main conductor A.

While there has been described what is'at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A switch assembly including in combination, a housing, a first normally open switch in said housing, a second toggle switch in said housing, said second toggle switch comprising a pair of contacts and a contact arm movable between a first position at which said arm engages one of said contacts and a second position at which said arm engages the other one of said contacts and toggle means for releasably retaining said arm in the position to which it has been moved, a first actuating element, means mounting said first actuating element on said housing and accessible from outside thereof for movement from a first position to a second position and to a third position, means responsive to movement of said first actuating element from said first position to said second position for closing said normally open switch, a second actuating element associated with said toggle switch, means mounting said second actuating element on said housing and accessible from outside thereof for movement between a first position at which said toggle switch arm is in said first position and a second position at which said toggle switch arm is in said second position, said elements being in spaced relationship in the first positions thereof for engagement of the second element by the first element as the first element moves from its second position to its third position and condition responsive means external to said housing for engaging said first actuating element to move it from its first position to its second position upon the occurrence of a first condition and for engaging said first actuating element to move it from its second to its third position in response to a second condition and for engaging said second actuating element to move it from its second position to its first position upon the termination of said second condition.

2. A switch assembly including in combination, a first normally openswitch, a second toggle switch comprising a contact and a contact arm movable between a first position at which said arm engages said contacts and a second position at which said arm is out of engagement with said contacts and toggle means for releasably retaining said arm in the position to which it has been moved, a first elongated actuating element, means mounting said first actuating element for longitudinal movement from a first position to a second position and to a third position, a second elongated actuating element coupled to said toggle switch arm, means mounting said second actuating element in aligned relationship with the first element for movement between a first position at which said toggle switch arm is in its first position and a second position at which said toggle switch arm is in its second position, the adjacent ends of said actuating elements being in spaced relationship in the first positions of said elements, means responsive to movement of said first actuating element from said first position to said second position for closing said normally open switch, said first element moving the second element from its first position to its second position as the first element moves from its second position to its third position and condition responsive means for engaging the remote end of said first actuating element to move said first element from its first position to its second position in response to a first condition and to move said first element from its second position'to its third position in response to a second condition and for engaging the remote end of said second actuating element to move it from its second position to its first position upon the termination of said second condition.

3. An assembly as in claim 2 in which said condition responsive means comprises a rod, means mounting said rod for movement in a direction generally parallel to that of said elements and spaced arms on said rod for engaging the respective remote ends.

4. An assembly as in claim 3 in which said condition responsive means comprises a float carried by said rod. 

1. A switch assembly including in combination, a housing, a first normally open switch in said housing, a second toggle switch in said housing, said second toggle switch comprising a pair of contacts and a contact arm movable between a first position at which said arm engages one of said contacts and a second position at which said arm engages the other one of said contacts and toggle means for releasably retaining said arm in the position to which it has been moved, a first actuating element, means mounting said first actuating element on said housing and accessible from outside thereof for movement from a first position to a second position and to a third position, means responsive to movement of said first actuating element from said first position to said second position for closing said normally open switch, a second actuating element associated with said toggle switch, means mounting said second actuating element on said housing and accessible from outside thereof for movement between a first position at which said toggle switch arm is in said first position and a second position at which said toggle switch arm is in said second position, said elements being in spaced relationship in the first positions thereof for engagement of the second element by the first element as the first element moves from its second position to its third position and condition responsive means external to said housing for engaging said first actuating element to move it from its first position to its second position upon the occurrence of a first condition and for engaging said first actuating element to move it from its second to its third position in response to a second condition and for engaging said second actuating element to move it from its second position to its first position upon the termination of said second condition.
 2. A switch assembly including in combination, a first normally open switch, a second toggle switch comprising a contact and a contact arm movable between a first position at which said arm engages said contacts and a second position at which said arm is out of engagement with said contacts and toggle means for releasably retaining said arm in the position to which iT has been moved, a first elongated actuating element, means mounting said first actuating element for longitudinal movement from a first position to a second position and to a third position, a second elongated actuating element coupled to said toggle switch arm, means mounting said second actuating element in aligned relationship with the first element for movement between a first position at which said toggle switch arm is in its first position and a second position at which said toggle switch arm is in its second position, the adjacent ends of said actuating elements being in spaced relationship in the first positions of said elements, means responsive to movement of said first actuating element from said first position to said second position for closing said normally open switch, said first element moving the second element from its first position to its second position as the first element moves from its second position to its third position and condition responsive means for engaging the remote end of said first actuating element to move said first element from its first position to its second position in response to a first condition and to move said first element from its second position to its third position in response to a second condition and for engaging the remote end of said second actuating element to move it from its second position to its first position upon the termination of said second condition.
 3. An assembly as in claim 2 in which said condition responsive means comprises a rod, means mounting said rod for movement in a direction generally parallel to that of said elements and spaced arms on said rod for engaging the respective remote ends.
 4. An assembly as in claim 3 in which said condition responsive means comprises a float carried by said rod. 